After giving up a fumble on the opening kickoff, which resulted in a short field and a quick score for Terra Linda, it was the Novato High football team that stole the show en route to a 43-15 win at home on Saturday.

Walter Serafin scored in almost every way a player can in his four-touchdown performance for the Hornets (6-3, 5-1 MCAL). Serafin had TD runs of 13 and 16 yards, a TD catch of 40 yards and a 40-yard interception return for the score.

"When I'm next to the end zone I have to score," Serafin said. "I don't care who you are. I don't care if you're in my way — I'm scoring. That's my mindset."

While it was Serafin who was breaking into the end zone, it was running back Herve Changeux who put the team in scoring position. Changeux ran for 120 yards on 10 carries and one touchdown.

A strong run game combined with a efficient performance by Novato quarterback Robbie Cassee allowed the Hornets to build a 43-7 halftime lead. Cassee completed eight of 10 passes for 111 yards.

"It's all thanks to the line. They blocked great. The line gave me time to throw," Cassee said. "We are all clicking. We are playing great in practice and it's transferring to the game."

While the Hornets' running game is what initially catches the eye, their defense is just as strong.

The Hornets held the Trojans (5-4, 2-4) to just 32 yards rushing and limited them to two scores.

"I just felt like I was at the top of my game today," said Trevor Raras, who had a pair of sacks including one for a safety. "We have been practicing strong all week. I think our defense was phenomenal today."

Terra Linda came out strong, forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff, giving TL excellent field position. On just the fourth play of the drive, TL quarterback Easton English hit Christian Silvestri for a 34-yard TD reception. English was 9 of 23 passing for 130 yards. But after the opening drive, TL had a hard time moving the chains.

"They have a program up here and we are building one," Terra Linda coach Damon Keeve said. "In the first half, I think we were intimidated. And we didn't tackle well, but we are going to fix that."

Terra Linda wouldn't find the end zone again until the fourth quarter when Austin Koblick ran it in from the 8-yard line.

"I think we were doing real well in the beginning, but then they were blitzing the holes and they got to us pretty good," Koblick said. "They were playing real fundamental football. There is not much you can do against fundamental defenses."